Syllabus

DT/FM-216 : Intermediate 3D Modeling and Animation
Instructor: Greg Lemon
T/TH 4:15-7:00

DT-220-4 Conceptual Game Design

Conceptual Game Design

Games are one of the oldest and most relevant forms of human experience. Every day, whether we realize it or not, we play games with each other, ourselves, and the world around us through body language, verbal/non-verbal communication, goal setting, and emotional and logical manipulation.

This course teaches the history, philosophies and practices of formalized game design from both an analogue and digital outlook, and helps students to develop and analyze their own game designs through a multitude of lenses and perspectives. The goal of the course is for students to develop several games throughout the course of the semester, including card and board games, as well as a videogame that can be published to the iPhone/Pad and web. No prior knowledge of programming is required for this class, as students will use Game Salad, a Mac application that allows non-programmers to quickly build videogames in an easy to use graphical user interface. Basic computer skills and the ability to produce simple two-dimensional art are helpful.

Grading:

25% : Participation
25% : Board Game
25% : Collectable Card Game
25% : Video Game

Attendance:

Missing more than four (4) classes will result in a failing (F) grade for the class.

The goal of the class is to become the best game designer you can be. You will design, test and complete three game projects throughout the course. Each project is worth 25% of your final grade. In addition, there is a 25% class participation grade.

PATICIPATION - 25% - DUE EVERY CLASS
In order to become a great game designer, you must come to class. Class is where you test your game designs with other players, and help other designers test theirs. You will be expected to provide feedback, ask questions, and contribute to discussions and playtests. Keep in mind that this is all related to playing games...no papers, no exams, just designing and playing games. This class is supposed to be fun, so come to class, get in the game and play!

BOARD GAME – 25% - DUE FEB 10
A board game of your design, based loosely off an existing successful game. You will design new mechanics, story, and art to support yout design. We will conduct several rounds of in-class playtestsing to evaluate your design and produce the most enjoyable experience possible. Final board games will include custom boards, tokens, rule sheets, etc.

COLLECTABLE CARD GAME – 25% - DUE MARCH 9
A collectable card game of your design, based loosely off an existing successful game. You will design new mechanics, story, and art to support yout design. We will conduct several rounds of in-class playtestsing to evaluate your design and produce the most enjoyable experience possible. Final card games will include custom cards and instructions.

VIDEO GAME – 25% - DUE MAY 4
A video game for the Mac iOS of your design, based loosely off an existing successful game. You will design new mechanics, story, and art to support yout design. We will conduct several rounds of in-class playtestsing to evaluate your design and produce the most enjoyable experience possible. Final video games will be submitted to the instructor on the final day of class.